210 comentarios:

I know that some of you don´t have the novel yet, but maybe we can speak about the title, don´t you?

From my point of view, "the potatoe peel pie society" refers to the people that used to eat cakes made of potatoe peel... I mean, during the war, poor people used to take the potatoe´s peels to eat, because they haven´t enough money to buy some meal, and they were very hungry.

I have a friend whose grandmother worked in a rich house during the civil war, here in Spain and she (the grandmother) used to leave the potatoe´s peels in the kitchen´s door bacause she knew that poor people were going to take it to eat.It´s a very sad story, I´m sorry :(

Lola, can't we?... potato peel.., to buy any food..,Well I think you are near the truth, what you say is very interesting. In the States they eat the potato with its skin and it is very nice, they bake it. But here it was not usual.

I was reading Guernsey`s history (in English)and It´s said that in the Midle Ages, there was an invasion by fairies from across the sea. Tha fairies were actually dark-haired mercenaries. Mybe overthere, dark hair was something strange :S

Ok! I’ve found something about Guernsey. This island was invaded during the Second World War. It suggests me several ideas: poverty, strength, drama, feelings, survival…This Story’s going to be interesting, guys!

hello classmates :) I'm hiro and this is the first time that i write in a blog. I read your theories about the book's title and i have to say that is very interesting ;).I also have to admit that I read only one page of the book :( and by the time, i don't like it a lot. anyways i will read more pages and comment here!!

Hiro, that IT is very interesting.., for the time being.., anyway..,You will like it I am sure. I find the beginning quite grabbing.I like how the author uses the letter writing to make us acquainted with the characters.

Come on, Hero! I’m sure that this novel hides an interesting story. I know that the vocabulary is something complicated, but don’t worry! It could be a great opportunity to progress and to learn useful grammar structures. Tomorrow I am going to begin the reading of the novel so I will write about it as soon as possible. See you on Thursday :)

Hi guys! I´m encharged of telling you that it will be an extra class on monday from 16.00 pm to 18.00pm. It will be in our class and also with Marta and we will practise overall speaking, so you can say it to Marta at the next class and she will write down your name in a list.We start next monday!

And about the book, I´ve already read some pages and it´s true that has a very complicated vocabulary,and also I find it difficult to know who is writing and to whom, but I started to do a little sum up of each letter and I understood it better ;)

Are there more English classes? Great!! I will try to go because my speaking it is not very fluently. Actually, I speak as slow as snail… I have started reading the novel, I have spent an hour and I still haven’t finished the page one. What a lot of new words!

I am worried because I think I don't have enough time! (If Marta ask to me about the characters or the argument I will blush because I will not know the answers :S )

Mayka I agree with you this is an opportunity and I am sure you will all like it for it is a funny book. The vocabulary, I grant is maybe a little too difficult at the beginning but then it will get better and the story can be understood even if you don't know some words.

Bles, hi glad you are writing and giving your opinion. I must READ it again... anybody thinkS the same?Don't worry about that, you have to get used to the style and vocabulary but you will understand it better. That I promise you!Think that we are in London after the second World War and that we learn a lot of their lives as we read the letters...

Mayka, my speaking is not very fluent...as a snail.. marta askS me..Ha ha, I don't believe you. Don't worry so much about the vocabulary, you don't have to know or look up all the words, only those that make comprehension difficult.Students always say that at the beginning of the novels, but they all see that soon they don't feel so, believe when you get used to the style you will not have to look up so many words.You can also organise yourselves and do the looking up amongst you...it is up to you

Mayka, you speak VERY WELL and your accent is very nice. English is slow so it is good to speak slowly.You write in the blog which means that you will get rid of those annoying mistakes and I am sure that you will improve a lot.Don't lose heart, you are good!

hi classmates !!!!!I've just finished to read until thirteen page :) but my brain it is fried xD I was kidding. It isn't bad as I thought at first maybe I will like it more if I continue reading. About the monday's class, I have university's classes at the same time but I'll try to go because I think is important to practise the speaking. So see you on monday and have a nice and happy weekend :)

Hiro,, finished READING.., my brain is fried... about Monday class.., it is important to practise speaking.Thank you Hiro, fantastic that you are coming on Monday if you can make it.You will like the novel I am sure. What do you think about the depressed Juliet? Will she be the heroine?

Hi everybody!! I agree whit Lola, perhaps Juliet is a bit sad because the war when she's written to Sisney, however, she's very happy whit her job whit Susan for example.

I like people as Juliet is: a person who can enjoy with little things, in this case, whit a luncheon or a tea time in this enthusiastic way, although she's worried about importan feelings like the problems after the war.

I have read only 15 pages but I'm enjoing the book. I read a letter and then I return to the beginnin to translate whit the dictonary.Now, I need to read 3 times each letter, but, perhaps one day I'll read whithout help.... Perhaps

Hey guys! I've just read all your comments and it was very helpful for me to understand the story! I think you have good ideas!

And about monday's class... Marta, could we change it to the morning?? Well, it's only a suggestion because I would like to go (I MUST go) and if it's at 16:30 I can't.. (I'm at the university at this time) and maybe some of you have the same problem.

And that's all! I'll try to come around to write more. Good night everyone!

hi, classmates!Lola, I agree with you. I think that the demolish buildings or the material losses are not the worst of the war; there is something that hurts you much more: to lost your own life and your dear people. This is difficult to repair…

Lola, the comment struck me strongly, has the same happened to you?..,I think that as you say the after war atmosphere must have been really dreary and sad. No wonder she was caught by it. I think she is feeling a Little like an old maid. She has not found her man yet. This is something that happens to all of us, don't you think?

Mayka, demolishED buildings..,I agree but it is everything the loss of people being the most important. But the fact that you can't get things simple ones like shoes or a nice dress. I think we don't realise how lucky we are!

Hello everyone!For the moment, I've read 17 pages, with enough effort, because of the vocabulary and the number of people that are appearing in the different letters. Until now, I dont't find it very interesting. Beside the sad it's to live a war and a post-war,I hope that the novel describes funny and happy moments.See you tomorrow.

Sonia, I confess that I have to reread each fragment again. At this point , my best friends are: my dictionary, my pen (my gum , of course) and my highlighter , hahaha. They adorn many words. I hope I can remember some of these words later and to make good use of them ...

As for Juliet , I think it's a clear example of a theme that we tried in class. Do you remember "witty"? I love the ironic tone of some letters between Sydney and Juliet .

An example is when Sidney tells Juliet that maybe she should "refrain from throwing the book at the audience". She replies in a postscript that was not his intention , but failed: "I Threw it at the elocution mistress. I meant to cast it AT HER FEET, but I MISSED." ;)

The novel I liked since I started reading it. And I think it will be more interesting after each page , as we go knowing members of the literary society. I'm sorry not to understand each fragment. I'd like to read more more quickly! :(

Manuela, with a lot of effort.., besides how hard it is to live through and after a war...Don't complicate the structure please try and write simply, ok?I am sure that you will find it funny, if you have a sense of humour.I think that the beginning of the novel is quite interesting, we have to talk about it during the class, ok?

Pilar, rubber???.., and I can make use of.., it was not her intention.., I liked the novel from the moment I began.., as we begin knowing/to know...,more and more quickly.A very good point, there is irony and sense of humour in the novel and the quote is a very good example of that. Well done.

When I was reading the novel I found something interesting about the booksellers. Juliet says that they belong to a special race, and I think so.

They can remember the title of any book although it being old-fashioned. Also, they can recommend you the best story that you have ever read. In addition, their libraries are as warm as thrilling, the oldest specially. Despite of the fact that there are huge amazing malls where you choose the books by yourself, I prefer to buy them in the library and to be in touch with my bookseller.

Sincerely I think that we should be aware of their effort and their value...

Mayka, although it be/were..., you have to use the subjunctive...despite the fact..,To say belong is not wrong as it could be considered a universal truth, ok?I agree with you, and they are delightful in England. Bookshops that smell of the old times and of something that will always be.

Mayka, although it be/were..., you have to use the subjunctive...despite the fact..,To say belong is not wrong as it could be considered a universal truth, ok?I agree with you, and they are delightful in England. Bookshops that smell of the old times and of something that will always be.

Good morningI just read up to page 13 and I found the vocabulary very difficult because I had to search for multiple words.First time I did not like it because I do not like sad stories and this book isThe character that I like is Juliet because I feel very identified with her on many thingsPS: I am sorry Marta I can not go to class on Monday because I workthanks for your conmentssee you!!!

Lorena, to look up many words..,I also identify myself with Juliet in some aspects, I think she is a very interesting character. Why do you think the novel is sad? There is quite a lot of sense of humour actually. You will see that it is rather funny.

This is a greetings post to Marta and to EOI. I have studied at this school (but not in this district) over four years and this method, what helps us to improve the oral conversation and the written expression, is the best one that I have ever known.

Today our class has been an excellent example of that. Great literary club and great host ;)

Mayka, I agree with you, I believe that the Thursday class has been very good for all of us, talking helps us to improve our pronuniación, remember and expand our vocabulary, especially in my case,due to my pronunciation is not as good as I would wish.

Mayka, which helps...Thank you very much for your post! It is reallly nice of you to say so. I also enjoyed that lesson very much and I must say that I am very glad that this class is so participative. The class is what we all make of it and I think we all have a good opportunity to improve in this class, specially as it is so early!! I like the idea of our literary club, it is true we have our particular Little club!

Manuela, my pronunciation not being as good as...,I am very glad you enjoyed it too! That was the idea of reading a novel, and I think you are all doing fine participating.And you are quite good and have a very decent ear so you'll be ok. You have to speak as much as you can. Ok?

Our Juliet begins to enjoy her trips and she´s changing her mind,even her appearence.The war has finished and the new age begin to blossom

I´ve enjoyed the letter in which Susan explain to Sidney what happened with a loathsome journalist.There,we can discover other part of Juliet´s tempered: she´s very impulsive whit a very strong caracter. I like this

Finally, I think that Sidney is falling in love whit Juliet, at least, he´s a bit jealous about the man who sends flowers to Juliet..

Sonia, new age beginS to blossom.., Susan explainS.., another aspect of Juliet's personality..,A very interesting comment. And I agree the story is becoming more and more interesting. Now we know that J. had a very serious relationship with someone who died in the war. I like the way we learn things through the letters.Do you think that Sidney is in love with her? Or is it business

Yes, I also believe that this novel talks about love. And it seems that Sidney feel something more than just a simple friendly relationship. His letters seem to hide a feeling that goes beyond the business. But maybe he just wants to be his "older-brother". And perhaps because of this he defends and he looks after her.

The true relationship of love is yet to come, I think. But I don't know yet who will be the lucky...

What we have been discovering through the first series of correspondences (dated in January) is LOVE for books, friendship, good food, freedom... Even love for the small details. And the last letter dated in January we have met how (who, what, where, when, why) the Society formed.

And in the same way that Juliet meet to Dawsey and his Literary Society we are in this point: "Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers." Is it fate?

P.S. I have missed another lesson today, I am sorry. I wait to see you next thursday.

Pilar, feelS more..,HER elder brother.., the society came to be.., meet Dawsey..,I expect I'll see you..,I like what you have said the component of destiny is present????? I believe in destiny, I know Cristians are not meant to do so but there are many proofs of it.We have to talk about destiny. Do you believe in it?

Hi Marta!I've been thinking about Mark. This is my theory or point of view:

-He's a very wealthy man with much power.

- He's a perfect Gentleman, womanizer ....?

- All women fall in love with him then, Why he sends Juliet those wonderful bouquets of roses and camellias, wherever she is?, ¿Call her attention .....?. Fall in love with him ....?, it's very clear for me:

- He's in London. He's decided to begin publishing books. What better way to start his business with a successful and known author, who sells many books and is loved by her readers?

I believe this is his technique.Mark wants Juliet fall in love with him, left Sidney as her Publisher and go with him. He starts his business making money, not .........?

Manuela, why does he send..,for her to fall in love with him.., this is his tactic.., to fall in love with himn, to leave Sidney.. and that she should go with him..,It is very possible, one is tempted to agree with you. One thinks that the Yankees are always thinking about money. What I wonder at is Sidney's situation. Does he want Juliet the author or the woman?Have a nice week-end, I am quite excited because I am going to a birhtday party tonight. I wonder that people celebrate their birthdays..but still I am really excited about going

I really like to read your comments. And I hope I can make use of them (to continue learning English)...Last week I couldn't go to EOI because I worked. Because of the crisis is very difficult to have many oportunities for earn money, so I am very happy because I think I did a good job. ;)Marta,What was about the party? Did you enjoy it? I think everybody should celebrate their bithdays. It is a good excuse to celebrate that we live, isn't it? (And to have presents!).As for Mark, I think he is not a simple "gentleman". I think he is a rich man trying to get everything he wants. An American publisher who is pursuing his prey.

Pilar, it is difficult..,to earn money..,what about the party..,Ha, ha I wouldn't mind having an American millionaire after a prey even if were the prey! I am sure Juliet is going to be delighted!I am glad about your job, things will get better I'm sure.As for my party it was real fun! I danced all night, you can't imagine the state of my knees! I thought they were going to break, but no I can still walk.

Hi classmates! I was looking for the writer Juliet mentioned in the book, Charles Lamb. He is a very interesting writer! He and his sister wrote a book called "Tales of Shakespeare" and It´s an introduccion to children can understand what Shakespeare wrote. Maybe It´s a good introduccion for us too.

I looked for the book on the internet and I found It in pdf, but I don´t know if I would have enough time to read it.

I love the book´s atmosphere because the characters love books and give them an special trate like if they be jewels.

Lola, so that children could understand..,if I will have enough time.., a special treatment as if they...Yes it is well used, although the past is used very often in this type of sentence. So they would use WERE more. Well done!How nice that you should tell us about Lamb. I think that book is very interesting. If you find out more inf about him do tell us please.I agree that the atmosphere in the novel is nice. I like it too when they are talking about books and how they love them.

Yes, from my point of view, If you are in a war atmosphere, you need something to humanize you and art in whatever of its faces is the perfect tool to do it.

If I were in that ages, I would like to be in contact with paintings and sculptures.

It reminds me something that happened during our civil war. There were some explosions near the Prado Museum and people went in, took the paintings and gave them to the metro tunnels in order to safe them, and after all, they returned them to the museum again :O

Those people were heros because instead of saving their lifes, they prefered to save art... I don´t know if I would be quite brave as them were.

If you are interested on this story, I know it exists a documentary film about it.

Good afternoon again! I was reading the book and I found something which I think is very clever. Between pages 35 and 36, there is a woman, Amelia, who doesn´t trust Juliet so Juliet writes a letter to that woman speaking about a man who loves Juliet and a woman who hates her. She says that if Amelia speaks with them, she will have a "fair picture of her character"

From my point of view, It´s a brilliant comment, because if you only have one version (goog or bad) about a person, It´s not true at all, don´t you?

Lola, ha, ha I am absolutely sure that that is so. And the funny thing is that Lady whatsoever, does write the letter! The English are like that. I am sure that a Spaniard would not have bothered. What do you think?

Well I would like to say that Spain could have this kind of people, but I´m not able to..unfortunately, we have a different culture, more like the "picaresca" of "El Lazarillo de Tormes" and if you want to show the way you are to achieve something, you will always show your best face.

The problem is that in Spain, we tend to do some works poorly and It´s when we show our real face..This fact embarrash me a lot. For example, when we were trying to achieve the olympic games, we showed a fantastic face, due to we were selected, but then, when the judges saw our real face, they prefered other country.

I think It´s better to show your real faced, like Juliet, and then win people throug your acts, don´t you?

Lola, this fact embarrases me a lot.. due to our having been selected.. another country..Yes I agree with you, we tend to do this so and so and we are not too honest. But I think we are very good at solving problems as we always do things in the last minute!! The English are cleverer, for example I am sure that the MI5 got rid of Lady Di and nobody has discovered that yet.

Fred, a date with..he is not thinking of getting a...,Don`t you? I think he is honest I quite like him although there must be something wrong with him he seems too good to be true.I think Juliet is at her best too, their letters are wonderful I really enjoy the sense of humour in them.

My boyfriend and I have had negative changes in our labour life. This is the reason for why we have decided to travel abroad and to search job there. My boyfriend’s brother lives in Amsterdam so this city will be our first option. We know that the idiom is an impediment for finding a good employment so we have to improve our English immediately.

I write you this all because I want to ask you something: Do you know any company who offers work and English classes to the foreigners in Amsterdam? Do you know something like that in other countries?

Hi Mayka! I´m so sorry for your bad news! And, Do you have already decided to go abroad? Didn´t you look for work in Spain? If you want, tell us what did you study and what are you looking for. Maybe somebody knows somebody and you can find job overhere.

On the other hand, Amsterdam is a fantastic city! I loved it when I visited it last year. People are so kind and they speak English very well!One day I was lost along the streets and I went with my map asking every person I saw. For me, all the streets had similar names! and these names were very difficult to me to remember because they were in other language! So I asked a young couple and they helped me to find my hotel´s street and then they said "keep asking! don´t worry! you do it very well!" They were so kind!

Marta, there is a very good point! we are good at solving problems! jajaja

The fact of Lady Di.. I don´t know..maybe there were no clues because the goverment didn´t want it.. Don´t you think It was because she said she was pregnant? Maybe Price Charles and the Queen didn´t want to have another heir for their kingdom...I don´t know but in spite of the monarchy, Lady Di was a very good person. She used to do a lot of charity services with children and poor people, and I think she really loved her soons.

And speaking about charity, I would like to remind you, classmates, that I´m collecting toys at my job. It is for the Madrina foundation, and we are going to spread the toys up between the children. I mean, there is no something that you don`t know if the toys will be for children or there are intermediate people.. I will be there the day when the toys are going to be gave.

Yes, we have already decided it (although it is a plan for the next year). The point is that my boyfriend has been preparing the public examination for being firefighter eight years. He hasn’t passed the last one; it is bad, of course, but the worst is that He hasn’t got work experience because he has dedicated all his time, his money and his strength in this. He’s an electrician and I am a teacher and a pedagogue.These profession are not in their good times in Spain…We want to start again in other country, in other culture. In other words: We wish other opportunity. :)

Mayka, the reason why.., the language..,How brave of you to go and what a good idea! I know nothing of that sort but I can say that you speak English very well and you will in no time in Amsterdam. You will also find a job quickly.Good for you!

Lola, have you already decided..? what you studied..,Ha ha how funny but it is true they are really nice, I am sure it is what the Spanish left there!I have to go, I am in Santander and with guests, so I have to dash.

oohh Mayka, are you a teacher? so did you study primary education? I want to be a teacher too but for hight school. I satudied history of art and then I did a course to be a geography, history and art´s teacher. It is true, it is difficult now, I´m trying to improve my English in order to have more opportunities. Now schools need biligual teachers..well they say that a bilingual teacher is the one who has the advanced level..but from my point of view, It is not a bilingual level at all.Whereas It is true that if they asked for proficency level, they wouldn´t find anybody in Spain, It is a pitty but It gives us an opportunity.I have a friend that is also preparing that exam but he says that it´s quite difficult.I wish you luck with your projects. I agree with Marta, you are very brave ;)Marta have a good weekend in Santander!I´ll be working the whole weekend, if somebody wants to chat with me I´ll be gratefull ;)

Hi, Lola!Yes, I’m a Primary teacher… first I studied Pedagogy but I wanted to complement my training whit this degree. In those times, I studied for being monitor of free time also (it was an easy fortnightly course) .Nowadays I work as a monitor (and thank goodness) but I don’t earn much money. I know that you studied History of Art but I hadn’t got idea about the other courses. You are a multifaceted girl! When I was a child I whished to be a painter-I was very good at drawing- but my parents told me: “You ought to study something with more labour demand” o.O!

Anyway…Tomorrow I will write you again! Now I’m going to have a warm shower and I’m preparing for going out! It’s Saturday’s night, darling! :D

Marta, enjoy this weekend in Santander! I love that town and the north of Spain; its people, its temperature and its landscapes! It’s a charming land…

Hi Mayka! I´m monitor of free time too! I did that course when I was a teenager and I was to lucky because I had a lot of job. It´s pretty fun but you can´t live of this job because, as you said, It doesn´t have a good salary.

Well I wish you a good sunday!

P.D. I´ve already understood the whole title of the book! It is explained at the last pages we have to read for next week. It´s funny!Did you read it?

Mayka, if I had read...,Well you've kept up quite an interesting chat and well-written too on the whole.So you both have a lot of things in common it is true! But Lola do you really want to be a teacher???? I suppose it has something good and one has to eat.. but oh my God why not try something else before?

Mayka, I understand perfectly that you want to go away. What sort of life is there for you here?? For you and for many people.. It is hard to have to go away but you will thrive abroad, you will come back in no time and you will find something here. I think it is a good idea to go, if you don't do it now you never will. And going with your boyfriend is fantastic.

It's a commentary about your work. I sent you an e-mail because I write faster and it's also easier for me in Spanish that in English. The e-mail address is in the photocopy list that we have:alexander65632@hotmail.com, if it's not correct send it to me through the "blog". Anyway, if you go to class tomorrow I'll tell you.

Hi Marta, Yes I want to be a teacher. jajaja! I tried another things, I studied museology too and I was working in an art gallery, and I didn´t like it. Then, I started a new job as a tourit guide and I loved it but between all the groups my favourite one always was the teenagers one. Then I worked at a secondary school for two years with teenagers too and I loved it much more because during a visit you can´t know people and watch their development, which is that I like.

So yes, I want to be an art teacher, I love how the pupils used to start the course without mood or spirit, and step by step cath them througt the art :)

They are very inteligent and they taugh me how to see art in a different way and much more fun :)

Lola, I tried other things.., which is what I like.., catch them through art.., and it was much more fun...,Well you certainly have a vocation, I must say that I have never felt so, I enjoy being with all of you. My clases are fantastic this year but I prefer, for instance, selling I think that is really what I enjoy. I suppose it is because I don`t have to do it every day!

Really? We can change our jobs!! I worked in a lot of shops and people is stupid. If you are behind a counter, they think you are their slave! You have to tidy up the shop every minute and with a smile in your face.Then you have to sell things that you hate and, of course, you have to say the costumers that the things are wonderful.You also have to count the money at the end of the day and it has to be perfect when you were the whole day taking and giving money as quickly as you can.In addition, you have to stand up during nine or ten hours and you can´t drink or eat anything until you have a rest.I could tell you a lot of stupid things that people ask when they get in a shop, It is incredible... There was a customer that asked me if I had profilactics in a candy shop!! But It was worst when another customer asked me if I had candies!! (I was literally surronded of candies of course)

Lola, on your face.., say to the customers..,as you could..,it was worse...Ha, ha you have made me laugh! You are absolutely right. Thank you for helping me to see things as they are! Yes, I am sure that teaching is better and also having a salary every month and forever. I am very lucky.But one wonders if doing something different sometimes would not be good for the mind in general. I suppose it wouldn't do me bad to take or to have taken a year off. I must be a late bloomer!

Hi, girls!What happens with the other classmates? Why don’t they write here? I think it’s a pity because this is a great opportunity for improving...Anyway…Are you speaking about bad employ? Well, I think I have found the worst. Its name is "the enigmatic client” . The employee has to go to a restaurant and has to evaluate the menu and the service. The point is that the waiter doesn’t know the employee’s real identity. What kind of job is it? lol *laughing out loud ;)Marta, do you need a year off? I think everybody needs one. The routine is good for the children but I’m afraid that it is a little torture for the adults. We sometimes forget that we work for living; we don’t live for working. You are not bloomer, simply you are human...

Mayka, I suppose you are right, I know that to have something to do is good and that I am very lucky but sometimes I wish I knew what it was like to do something you really enjoy. I think that what we did in Spain of working always in the same field is not a good idea. I think now this is changing but maybe moving to it. That is why I think you should go and have that experience. If you don't do it now maybe you never will.

Lola, I work at week-ends..at Xmas..,can't you?..,in order to have a baby and spend time with it...,Where do you work?No, you are right, I am very lucky. I can take a year off it is true, but then I wouldn't get paid and one has to live. I know that my job has many advantages, like the holidays. I have a lot and it does seem a pity to take a year off and do nothing. Then you have to go back to it again and maybe not in the same school. I don't want to lose my post, I like our school and the people I work with. Another problema, and maybe that is the main reason why I haven't done it, is that I have to practise English. If I don't speak English I will forget it!! That would indeed be a tragedy for me!

Mayka, I write to you today..I am not a dictionary!!! I haven't heard the expression, however I can make a guess: You surprised me? I fell in love with you?I am sure that you will find it in a dictionary. If I find out I will tell you but just for this once.

It is true, you can lose your English, I understand. But I didn´t know that if you ask for a free year you lose your post! If I liked people who I work with, I wouldn´t ask for a free year neither. I thing it´s very important the atmosphere that you have at work, because you spend a lot of time there and you need to be confortable.

Today after class I went to look for you Marta, to the department but I didn´t find you.

On January, I´m going to go to London for a week and I would like to ask you if do you know some good place to sleep. It doesn´t matter if I have to share room with other people. I only want to be in the City Centre and to spend less money in order to stay more time there.

Mayka, don't worry at all I plan asking my cousins who know a lot of expressions but with the hazzle of the food I haven't been able to write to them, if I find out I will tell you tell you gladly, and you are always welcome to ask, the thing is you must bare in mind that I don't know everything!!!

Lola, I think the atmosphere you have at work is very important.., in January.., I would like to ask you if you know of a good place to stay...,Well I don't know many places but a friend of mine told me of a hotel which is not bad, I stayed once, and it is very well located in a Street just off Bond Street. It is called the Mermaid Suite Hotel or something like that. I don't know if that is what you want. I have also Heard that there is a webpage where they find accomodation for you or they let you rent and it is meant to be very good or is it swap. But I don't know the page's name, sorry

Thanks Marta! I´m going to look it up. The webpage is "Hostelworld" I were the whole afternoon looking for a hostel there but I´m quite lost.I would like to visit "Stonehenge" I think It´s almost four hours by train from London, but I wanted to visit it since I studied It :)Do you know It? some legends say It was built by Merlin :) I studied It in "Celtic Arquology" and my teacher used to say It was a special place because there were a lot of magic rituals there. If you see It in a plane, you can see a circle around It without plants, It is because in the past there were a lot of animals and people sacrificed and the "priest" used to bury the rests in that circle :O

Lola, I was looking.., but I've wanted to ..,How interesting! You always say interesting things! I have never been but I am sure it is interesting.Another idea for your stay is a bed and breakfast, the thing is in London they are probably more expensive. Good luck anyway in finding something!

Marta I´ve already found something interesting! It´s in front of the London´s Tower and they have breakfast too, the price is ok and throught the pothograps It seems clean jejeje! I think It is a nice place, It has a terrace and you can see all the buildings around Thamesis :)Thanks you for your help! I also found the hotel you said before, but It was a little bit expensive, but I found the other one in the same web, so thanks you!

Mayka I found the idiom in the book, I think the same as you, It might be like a big surprise because the poor girl was arrested by the Germans. I hope she is fine, she was the one who made up the story of the Literary Society, wasn´t she? and It´s a pitty! I mean, she was arrested because she was hiding up a poor Polonian! That time had to be terrible, the german people were blind!

Marta my boyfriend used to say the same at the begining (that I tell interesting things) But now he is boring and has to travel with me and visit all the monuments, cathedrals and museums! jajajajaja!

hi! my computer has been infected by an unknown virus :-( I'm using my movil right now but it has a small screm and it is very uncortable to write to you...Lola, pass a nice time in London! who were you! :-) oh, and practice your English as much as possible!Marta, I'm afraid that I can' t go to school today because a friend of mine will exhibit his Thesis this morning (he wants to be a Phisics Doctor) and I'm going to go to the university and to be a member of the audience..It is an important day for him...I hope my brother fix my computer soon because I feel how my eyes suffer! (I feel like a cross-eyed girl) Bye!!

Thanks you Mayka! but I´ll see you before going to London, because we leave the 19th of January.

I hope your friend´s thesis was ok.

Today we were speaking about the book and we have to read until page 65 for Christmas. Marta mentioned a writer that was a Diken´s friend, his name is Wilkie Collins, he has some plays as "The woman in white" or "Moonstone" that two plays are thrillers and I wanted to read "Moonstone" but It wasn´t in the Library, the librarian told me It was very strange because It apeared in the list but It wasn´t so, finally, I took "The woman in white" I´ve already started to read it, It´s easy buy too large, I don´t know if I´ll be able to read it to the end.

But I like the way he writes because he has this witty English sense of humor, It´s very fun :)

I hope your computer were fixed as soon as possible, I enjoy a lot speaking with you and Marta :)

Lola, thank you.., now he is bored..,Ha, ha I am sure he is delighted with you! You have sense of humour too and that is really great. And it is very interesting to go around and see things!I am glad you found the place to stay and it is very well located, the Tower of London is a fantastic place and the view must be wonderfull. You can go to the centre by tube and London is big so you have to forget going back to the hotel.How good that you found the expression. I am sorry I forgot about it ! But Lola you are a great help!

Lola, it is great fun.., will get fixed..,I enjoy our conversations too. Are you reading the Woman in White? That is very good, you will finish it because it is very gripping. I love the way Marian Hallcome, did I spell it right? is described, it is fantastic. I would like to hear your opinion about it.And have you got to the place when he meets the poor girl...?

Well darlings I am in Santander. It is not raining.... a miracle! Let's hope the miracle lasts!I think that tonight I'll go out, good news for me. And a friend of mine is exhibiting her sculptures with barnacles, yes I've put it right, barnacles and I might go to see it in the afternoon so that is life in Santander at Xmas.

How interesting blog "only for girls"!!!Enjoy your holiday in Madrid, Santander or wherever you areLola, where did you find the book? I like reading and I'm enjoying The Gernsey Literary... but I think that I can't read each day because all of us must know the same at the same time about the story. So I would like to read other interesting bookPlease, could you tell me what essay we must write about these days?Thanks and happy christmas

Sonia, what an interesting blog.., another interesting novel..,Welcome to the club! What Lola is reading is The Woman in White, by Wilkie Collins. It is a thriller, it is very interesting and Lola doesn't find it difficult. You can buy it in Pasajes I am sure. But maybe Lola got it somewhere else cheaper. Or she borrowed it from the School Library but I am afraid now it is closed.How about your holidays?Today the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day, a miracle in Santander! No rain yet....

Hi!!! yes Marta I´m reading "The woman in white" because "Moonstone" wasn´t available and I´m keen on know English play writers, so I decided to try with Wilkie Collins. I love the way he describes things, you almost can touch them. Yes I read the part when he meet the poor girl, he is already living in the house and he has realiced he is in love with the blonde girl that is his pupil.

Hi Sonia! yes I agree with you! I like very much reading and It´s difficult to me to read so few pages per week, It´s because I decided to read this novel.Well, Marta recomended me to read "Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins too, but It wasn´t in the school´s library, so I took "The woman in white" there were about 5 editions, so if the library is still open, you will find it.

The writer is fantastic, I´m going to write a quite romantic part that I read yesterday:

"I should have asked why any room in the house was better than home to me when she entered it, and barren as a desert when she went out again. Why I always noticed and remembered the little changes in her dress that I had noticed and remembered in no other woman´s before. Why I saw her, heard her and touched her as I had never seen, heard and touched any other woman in my life? (...) The explanation has been written already in the three words that were many enough, and plain enough, for my confession. I loved her."

It´s fantastic, isn´t it?

I hope you enjoy it as much as me.(Marta, I don´t know if this structure is correct)

I wish you a very nice holidays! I´m in Madrid and I´m working, but there are few people and I can read while I be here :)

We have to do a writing about the situation in Great Britain during World War II. It can be something in general or you can choose a more specific aim like women, literature, etc. You have to look for information in English, read it and then, write about it but without copy the information, you have to do it with your own words ;)

Lola, I am keen on knowing.., Eng authors.., that is why I decided to read.., recommended that I should read..,I have been absent these days because I had to help with the preparations etc. sorry.Thank you for putting that passage in your comment, I remember it and I agree it describes being in love very well. As this is what happens, isn't it?I like the novel very much and it is very thrilling. I also like the first meeting with Marian, the way he describes her etc. is fantastic. The novel was published as a weekly magazine, you can see that he ends the chapters usually in a thrilling way.I think Laura is stupid but she was the prototype of the ideal woman in the 19th century but for me Marian is by far the best. She is great and she is so devoted to her sister! It makes you think of the love that Cassandra had for her brother Polinices. Such devotion sometimes exists between sisters or is it unbelievable?

Lola, ha ha you are right! Actually I am permanently dressed in black nowadays as I haven't stopped eating!! I have to go on a crash diet the moment I set foot in Madrid, it is horrible to think of that!

Marta thanks you for the "none´s explanation, now I understand it better!

Yes Laura is stupid! and Marian seems a very strong woman, you can see it even in the physical description of the characters. The first one is a blond hair and blue eyes girl very sweet and delicate, on the other hand, Marian is a dark hair and black eyes girl, with good manners but strong and with clear ideas.

I think in that time, there was a daughter or a son who was "the apple of the eye´s parents" and the rest of the siblings had to help them.

It reminds me to the book "The Pillars of the Earth" When the poor girl Aliena, has to work very hard in order to send her brother to the Crusades, and she has to buy a blade, a shield and a horse... and the boy is a stupid guy too.

Lola, thank you and the same to you and all yours.is a blond-haired and blue-eyed girl.., a dark-haired and black-eyed girl..,of the parents' eye. The possessor first!reminds me of..,I think in Marian's case it is true devotion. It annoys me a bit because Laura is so stupid but one has to say that Laura is really devoted to Marian too. She doesn't ask for anything it just happens. I am angry with Collins, he is cruel when he describes Marian with a moustache! It was unnecessary, yet one forgets that Marian is ugly because we like her so much. She is one of those people who willingly give their life to another person. That exists, she is a bit of a mother figure, and definitely a Cassandra, don't you think?

Yes She is a little mother, I agree with you. And yes Collins described her as a girl with moustage! jaja! but I think that this description gives her a strong personality and he also says she has a good figure, I think that finally he is going to fall in love with her.

On the other hand, I enjoy a lot the sinester atmosphere, when he speaks with the woman in white close to the grave.. It reminds me of Bram Stoker´s. I love horror films and I think that a horror book is able to frighten you as well as a good film, because you use your imagination.

Lola, I agree with you. I remember the first time I read that novel I couldn't put it down. It was horrifying!I think Collins is in love with Marian I agree but why has he been so cruel in his descripction? I can't forgive him that. Has the Count appeared yet?

I´ve already finished to read Adelaide´s letter. Oh my God! It´s true what she tells to Juliet? In my opinion, If the Society was created for this reason, It would be better! It´s a very good reason to put in risk your life, don´t you?

Lola, who is he?.. finished Reading... is what she tells J true? it would have been better.. to put your life in risk for, isn't it?... I enjoyed this letter a lot.., a bitch!Ah well you will have to discover who the Count is. Count is a title, like Duke or Earl.Yes I enjoy Adelaide's letters too, she is the typical Puritan but it is funny to read about.For me the letters are interesting but some of you find the novel boring...

I look up to Elisabeth. She was a brave, responsible person really! If I were she, I would come out of the Island straight away! and How about Mrs Maugery? He had to be a cold-blooded man for cheating on people who carry a weapon...:S

Mayka, how difficult it is to speak.., in his case.., the father of a friend of mine .., he wasn't really a close friend.., we have exchanged only a few words with each other ocassionally..,and I was not sure whether to give him my condolences or whether not to mention the subject..,Well it is nice to give people your condolence, but sometimes the people don't want to talk about those things...

Mayka, if I had been her I would have come out Who is the cold blooded man you are talking about? I don't understand your idea very well.I agree that Elisabeth must have been brave but I find she is a bit too good to be true, she gets me a bit...

I can read between lines that Juliet is in love completely, but she is in love like a posh teenager! she is too excited! I don't like her attitude at all. I would say her: Juliet, Keep calm, and breathe a little...:)

Mayka, everything is correct, well doneI know I am not objective because Elisabeth is meant to be the heroine if any. But I can't help disliking her! When I say that she gets me I mean that I can't stand her. It is probably not her fault but the others', the way they refer to her, she seems mother Theresa but having sex

Mayka, I would say to her...You mean with Mark? I should think so too, she is enfatuated with all his money power and the plans that he can do with him.. I suppose after the war it is normal, isn't it? to be carried away.... and Mark is very nice to her!

Hi Classmates! I came back from London! sorry I was lost for a long time!Now I have a new job, so I have less time to write here. I follow working at the museum, but in adition I´m working in a Hightschool four hours per week. It´s not a lot but I´ll achieve some experience :)

Marta you would love my pupils! they are the whole time speaking to each other and they have little bad behaviour :) instead of it, I´m quite happy!

Lola, I continue working..I'll get some experience..they behave quite badly?...Well welcome back, I just saw this because I thought now that Lola is back there might be some posts!I see that your pupils must be perfectly adorable! You are really patient and have a wonderful disposition! I am afraid I've lost a bit of patience. Well I must dash to Pablito's class.

Yes! they are adorable! jaja! But sometimes they say things that strike me and this is enough to teach them.Yes I have patience but I´m learning how to have authority, that is very important too.

Marta you are going to kill me! yesterday a girl was doing her homework and asked me about the traslation of "Bird of pray", She had written "Pray" so I took a dictionary and look it up, but It wasn´t, so I told her that may be It was "El espiritu Santo" jajajajaja! and today you have explained it in class! It was "Bird of prey"!! But I promise to explain it next day to the poor girl :)

Hi Fred! Yes this letter is very sad, I don´t like at all the books that tell this kind of things because It makes me feel sad.

It´s a beautifull letter but It´s enough. It is even worse if you think that it was a real fact, isn´t it?Some years ago I read a book about the german camps and It was a suffering to end it up. It was called "The Bible made of mud" or something like that, It was interesting, But It was also very sad.I still remember the tortures of the jewish people that the book described.How It´s possible for a human person to do that to another person? It´s something that I can´t understand.

Lola, how is it possible for a human..,I agree with you, how can anybody do something like that? But we are cruel or at least there is a degree of cruelty in us that it is difficult to understand. Sometimes the suffering inflicted is mental and is quite bad too.

Fred, it is hard to say.., could be worse..., I think that all women are.., She tried to criticise her.., who do you mean?She is a gossip and..,Do you think so? I think Isola is not meant to be a horrible character, she is strange but good, she is kind, don't you think?

Hi! I don´t think Isola be a bad person. She only wants to know how Juliet is. For me, it was a good part of the book because I couln´t imagine the character of Juliet, I only had the reference of the book´s cover.I think that if I had been telling such a personal things of my life to an unknown woman, I would have asked the same.The Society is very interested in Juliet and all of them want to know her, but Isola is the only one who is brave to ask this kind of things. Don´t you think the same?

Lola, such personal things..,I agree with you she dares ask her about personal things which is something the English never do so I think you have grasped the idea very well. You are good at analyzing. As you say it gives us the opportunity to know Juliet better.

Marta I stoped reading "The woman in white" :( I had to returned the book to the library when I only had read one hundred pages, but I liked it, I´ll buy it and will finish it during the summer.Now I´m reading a new one "Ines of may soul" by Isabel Allende. A collegue gave me it like a present last week. It´s a traslation of the Spanish and I think it would be easier to read than the other one. I´ve never read anything by this author, but it seems interesting.It´s about a girl, Inés, from Chile, who fought in South America during the conquest in the fiveteen century. Did someone read it?

Thank you Marta, but don´t worry about that. I enjoyed a lot the book and I want to finish it.

I have an ebook and I planed to buy the book on the internet in order to read it during the summer, and also "Moonstone".

Now I have enough with Juliet and Ines of may soul, jeje! It´s a very nice book too, I like the way Isabel Allende writes because she is very descriptive with the feelings and you can identify your self with the characters of the book. Don´t you think?

Now I´m with Juliet, How sad was the letter of the animals! I´m an animal lover too, and If I had seen how people kill them, I would have turned sick too.

I had to kill my little mouse last week because she became sick. The veterinary told me that she had a cancer in her brain, and she had one part of her body paralised, so I had to sleep her. Even though she was a little mouse, I was very sad for her lost.

I think I couldn´t leave my dog or my cat and go away without knowing who would take care of them. I would try to take them with me in the boat. But people may have been really afraid on this time.

Lola, how people killed them..,to put her to sleep.., on the boat..,in this time.,I agree with you it is very sad but one has to think of the people. I am not so fond of animals though I wouldn't be cruel to them.But did you really have a mouse?????

Yes I had a hamster, she was very nice, she was a gold hamster, her hair was soft orange more like blonde hair. With grey ears and black eyes. She seemed a soft toy.

Now I only have my poor parrot. He is 24 years old and I adopted him 4 years ago, because the people whose took care of him died and he was alone and depressed.He is green, red, blue, yelow and purple and he is a very good opera singer. It´s very funny to hear him, sometimes people think that I´m singing, but no, It´s the parrot.

Hi!It seems that Juliet has arrived to Guernsey already! From my point of view I think that this is a relevant chapter. Firstly, because it is the beginning of a new surprising age for Juliet (her unreal dream becomes fact) and secondly because we can imagine how the different members of the well-known society are. Maybe this last aspect is not a good idea. I mean that it is possible that their descriptions not be corresponded with the physical aspects that the reader has imagined. Anyway, I'm convinced that the most interesting part of the novel starts now.

I satarted to read it yesterday and I couldn´t stop, it was very interesting. I had the sensation that Kit has a little bit of bad behaviour, don´t you? She is jealous and don´t want to eat vegetables and then she sits down on Dawsy´s lap and does what she wants. I don´t like this kind of children, but it is untherstandable if you think that she doesn´t have her parents.

In that kind of situations, I always think in the "educational slap" which is a term that a friend of mine and me invented when we were working togueter in a problematic children´s school.

It can be only once, but in the correct moment, it can change the child´s life. jajajaja!

I ‘m completely agree with you. Elisabeth’s daughter is terrible. She reminds me my ancient pupils of the Social Service, where I worked the past year.

Nevertheless, I understand her a little bit. In the end, this kind of children wants you to say “come on, dear! Tell me what happens with you, please! “or “could you eat the vegetables before the bed time?”. The “ask” us to love them, but they don’t know how to do it, unfortunately.

About the “educational slap”, I agree with you again, but not at all. From my point of view, I’m of the opinion that this is a very effective solution at the moment, but it has its disadvantages, for instance: the more you slap your child, the less he or she trusts in you, so as a result, the less your children trust in you, the less effective will be your orders. Don’t you think the same thing about this?

OOhh! Mayka It´s a very good point! I agree with you at all but a I don´t mean that you have to slap them the whole time, only once or twice in their life, you know?

I only remember two educational slaps by my parents, and the rest were punishments.

But I agree with you. It´s better to speak with them and explain what they did wrong and why they can´t do it. On that way you will be sure that they could be people capable to think about things because on the other hand, they only learn how to obey orders without thinking and it´s very dangerous.

It´s a pleasure to speak with you too, I missend you! instead of Marta is very funny too!

Mayka, their descriptions did not correspond with..,I agree that it is a very imp chapter, now she finally sees the characters that she has been so interested in. And I hope you are right that now the most interesting part begins..

Lola, that kit is a bit naughty.., doen't want to eat..., think of..,I don't think you are a monster, quite the contrary I agree with the so-called educational slap. It is the best thing that can happen to a child and I think moreover that more tan one is often necessary. The botty is a good place to apply it in my opinión.

Mayka, I completely agree with you.. she reminds me of the old students.., of child..,Well if you do it a lot it is not an educational slap. But sometimes I think it is very effective. And let us not forget that some children do it too so it can be a question of self-defence sometimes.

Lola, I completely agree with you..,You are absolutely right they have to write. Next day we will tell them and if not how about an educational slap?I've had a fantastic week-end with rain rain rain the whole time. However I managed to put on two kilos because what I didn't miss was dinner! Now I am repenting what a life... Maybe it is me who needs the educational slap after all!

Hi!Nowadays, we have the same problem with our children as Juliet describe Elisabeth’s daughter. It is impossible to educate a child when every day is living with different people. I remember that in my childhood and in my adolescence I’ve always been with my parents, as a result of this, when my behavior it wasn’t right, I’ve always had the same words.

Now this situation has changed, our children grow up and they are educated with their grandparents or by other persons……. With de same problem or misbehavior, they have different viewpoints and different answers, because of this, the children aren’t focused. They don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong, what they have to do and what they don’t have to do.

In conclusion, it’s our fault, not their fault. Poor children…!. They are very confused.

Marta, it’s more correct to say: the fault is ours, not theirs, or the expression: It’s our fault, not their fault.

On the other hand, if I were you, I would eat less, because it’s not good. I suggests that you should look away or run away when you see food.

Marta, when I adopted the parrot I didn´t live with my boyfriend, the funny point is that in my house, my grandfather didn´t want animals so I firstly convinced to my boyfriend´s mates and then I asked him. I knew he was going to say: "Ask my mates" and when he said It I told him: "If they say yes, can I take the parrot?" and he said "yes" and I said "Ok!, lets go to take the parrot!" jajajaja

I´m the devil!

But I have to say that now my boyfriend is very happy with the parrot, because he is very funny! One day, my boyfiend gave him a drop of mojito and the parrot started singin like a drunk person! jajajaja

Manuela, I agree with you, It´s true that nowadays children are with a lot of people and don´t have the same orders always, it´s a pitty. Sometimes people have children because it´s what they think they have to do in this moment, but they don´t realised the responsability that It is.

My first job was taking care of two children that never were with their parents. Firstable their parents payed me to stay with the children at home while they had to work or go to the gym, but some months later, they asked me to take care of the children while they stayed at home! for me it was terrible! my mother would never do this!

Oh my...! I realize that people only see the reactions after the incentive (I-R) without paying attention in the subject. That kind of thought was very common among behaviorist but I’m afraid that their theory is out of fashion nowadays. What happens with the child (his/her feelings, previous experience, expectations…? If you explain him/her what he/she does bad (and you do it at the beginning (like a prevention and not like a treatment) the subject’ behavior will change. So the noise with your hands will not be necessary…

By the way, I have a question for you: Do you think that fighting is ethic?

Manuela, Juliet describes about E's.., they are living with different.., when I didn't behave well I always heard the same or they always said the same things.., by their grandmothers..,

Marta, is it more..?

Both are correct I prefer the fist one you suggest for style.

You have a point, but I also think that parents and society in general is more permissive nowadays. Children are allowed many things on the grounds that they have to be happy and it is a mistake in my opinión. Life is happiness and sadness, frustration and success and you have to learn all that during childhood or it is worse.

Lola, they don't realice.., first of all..,they were.., would never have done this..,

Now for the first post..,first I convinced my boyfriend's mates.., let's go and get the..,

You are a clever girl! But your poor boyfriend! Having to live with a parrot! Well I suppose the parrot is delighted with all your love and care.

As for children you have a point but it is also the parents. I have had people looking after me when I was Young and I was not the worse for it. It depends on the person and your parents. I fear things have changed now.

Hi Jimini, I agree with you in explain the children what is rigth and what is wrong, obviously you don´t have to slapp them every time they do something wrong.I mean, when a child starts crying or shouting because he wants something that you previously denayed and explaned.

And I don´t think that fighting be ethic, but unfortunately, is something natural and common in all the animals.

Marta I think the same as you. You can´t give them all that they want because, on that way, you are not helping them.

Some months ago, Rassel Crowe went to the "Hormiguero" TV progam and they asked him about the education that he was bringing to their children. He said that when he was a child, his family was poor and he learnt how much it costs to earn money.

So now that he is famous and has money, he tries to teach his children the effort to earn it.

From my point of view this is a very good point when you have to bring up a child.